Eurocopter Tiger

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:EngvarB Template:Infobox aircraft

The Eurocopter Tiger is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It is manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter), which arose from the merger of Aérospatiale's and DASA's respective helicopter divisions. Airbus Helicopters designates it as the EC665. In France and Spain, the Tiger is known as the Tigre (which is French and Spanish for Tiger), while in Germany and Australia it is referred to as the Tiger.

Development of the Tiger started during the Cold War, and it was initially intended as an anti-tank helicopter platform to be used against a Soviet ground invasion of Western Europe. During its prolonged development period the Soviet Union collapsed, changing the European security situation. France and Germany chose to proceed with the Tiger, developing it instead as a multirole attack helicopter. It achieved operational readiness in 2008.

The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe; even the earliest models also incorporate other advanced features such as a glass cockpit, stealth technology, and high agility to increase its survivability. Improved variants have since entered service, outfitted with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons. Since entering service, Tigers have been used in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali.

DevelopmentEdit

Origins and early developmentEdit

In 1984, the French and West German governments issued a requirement for an advanced anti-tank helicopter, with one variant desired by the French dedicated to the escort and anti-helicopter role.

As originally planned, both countries would procure a total of 427 helicopters. The West Germans planned on acquiring 212 models of the anti-tank variant named PAH-2 (Panzerabwehrhubschrauber or "Anti-tank helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1992. The French wanted 75 HAPs (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection or "Support and Escort Helicopter") and 140 HACs (Hélicoptère Anti Char or "Anti Tank Helicopter"), with deliveries starting at the end of 1991 and 1995 respectively.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

A joint venture consisting of Aérospatiale and MBB was subsequently chosen as the preferred supplier. In 1986, the development programme was effectively canceled due to spiraling costs; it had been officially calculated that supplying the German forces with an equivalent number of US-produced McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache attack helicopters would have been a considerably cheaper alternative to proceeding with the development of the Tiger.<ref name="krotz 130">Krotz 2001, p. 130.</ref> According to statements by the French Defence Minister André Giraud in April 1986, the collaborative effort had become more expensive than an individual national programme and was also forecast to take longer to complete. In July 1986, a government report into the project alleged that development had become distanced from the requirements and preferences of its military customers.<ref name="krotz 130" />

France and Germany reorganised the programme, including steps such as the adoption of fixed-term contracts which placed greater financial risk upon the private firms involved. Thomson CSF also took over the majority of Tiger's electronic development work, such as the visual systems and sensors.<ref name= "krotz 130"/> Despite the early development problems and the political uncertainty between 1984 and 1986, the program was formally relaunched in November 1987; it was at this point that a greater emphasis on the attack helicopter's anti-tank capabilities came about.<ref name= "krotz 131">Krotz 2011, p. 131.</ref> Much of the project's organisational framework was rapidly redeveloped between 1987 and 1989; such as the installation of a Franco-German Helicopter Office to act as a program executive agency in May 1989.<ref name= "krotz 133">Krotz 2011, p. 133.</ref>

File:TigerUHT1.jpg

German Army Tiger UHT

In November 1989, Eurocopter signed an agreement that financially secured the majority of the helicopter's development through to serial production, including arrangements for two assembly lines to be built at Aerospatiale's Marignane plant and MBB's Donauwörth facility.<ref name= "krotz 134"/> This same arrangement also included the manufacture of five Tiger prototypes.<ref name= "krotz 134"/> Three were to operate as unarmed testbeds and the other two as armed combat prototypes with one for the French escort helicopter variant and the other for the German anti-tank variant. The first prototype took the Tiger's maiden flight on 27 April 1991 that lasted for 30 minutes.<ref name= "krotz 134">Krotz 2011, p. 134.</ref>

Due to the end of the Cold War and subsequent defence budgets decreases in the 1990s, financial pressures led to further questions regarding the necessity for the entire program; in 1992 there was speculation that the German Defence Ministry might not continue with the project due to the requirement to make fiscal cutbacks.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 132, 136.</ref> However, Germany was also increasingly keen for the Tiger to perform a wider assortment of missions; beyond being an excellent anti-tank platform, the specifications for the German platform were modified to include armed battlefield reconnaissance, close air support of ground troops, and escorting other helicopters.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 134, 136.</ref>

In 1992, Aérospatiale and MBB, among other companies, merged to form the Eurocopter Group; this led to considerable consolidation of the aerospace industry and the Tiger project itself.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 133–135.</ref> A major agreement was struck in December 1996 between France and Germany that cemented the Tiger's prospects and committed the development of supporting elements, such as a series of new generation missile designs for use by the new helicopter.<ref name= "krotz 147">Krotz 2011, p. 147.</ref> National political issues continued to affect the prospects of the Tiger, however. A proposed sale of up to 145 Tigers to Turkey proved a source of controversy; Turkey selected the Tiger as the preferred option, but conflicting attitudes between Eurocopter, France, and Germany in regards to military exports led to Turkey withdrawing its interest.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 149, 151.</ref>

On 18 June 1999, Germany and France publicly placed orders for an initial batch of 160 Tiger helicopters, 80 for each nation, valued at €3.3 billion.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 132, 149.</ref> On 22 March 2002, the first production Tiger was rolled out in a large ceremony held at Eurocopter's Donauwörth factory; although production models began initial acceptance trials in 2003, the first official delivery to the French Army took place on 18 March 2005; the first official Tiger delivery to Germany followed on 6 April 2005.<ref name= "krotz 154">Krotz 2011, p. 154.</ref> Germany reduced its order to 57 in March 2013.<ref>"Germany finalises cuts to NH90, Tiger helicopter orders" Template:Webarchive. Flightglobal.com, 18 March 2013.</ref> In 2008 OCCAR estimated the project cost at Template:Currency.<ref name="defnewsjan2013">Tran, Pierre. "Eurocopter: Despite Slow Economy, Tiger Helo Deliveries On Track." Defense News, 29 January 2013.</ref> France's FY2013 budget put their share of the project at €6.4bn (~US$8.7bn),<ref name=Francebudget2013>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> implying a programme cost of €14.7bn (~US$20.1bn) to the three main partners. The 2013 French White Paper changed the mix to 60 HAP and 20 of the more expensive HAD; at FY2013 prices, their HAP cost €27.4m/unit (~US$37m) and their HAD €36.1m/unit (~US$49m), including development costs the French Tigers cost €80m (~US$109m) each.<ref name=Francebudget2013 /> In December 2015, France placed an additional order for 7 HAD helicopters, with the plan to upgrade the entire fleet to the HAD standard by 2025 for a total of 67 helicopters.<ref name="La Tribune">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

ExportsEdit

During the 1990s, export prospects for the Tiger had been invigorated by two large bids for orders from Britain and the Netherlands.<ref name= "krotz 132">Krotz 2011, p. 132.</ref> Discreet talks between Britain and France regarding an association with the Tiger had been continuing since the late 1980s and, although Britain had initially dismissed industrial participation in the project, it was known by the mid 1990s that Britain was prepared to purchase modern attack helicopters from abroad.<ref name= "krotz 138">Krotz 2011, p. 138.</ref> Eurocopter's management was keen to press production of the Tiger into action as soon as possible, as uncertainty over the date at which production, and therefore availability, would start was viewed as negatively impacting potential export deals. In both the Netherlands and Britain, a considerable amount of lobbying pressure was applied in the hopes of the Tiger's selection.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 138–139.</ref> However, neither country would order the Tiger.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 139–140.</ref>

File:Australian Army (A38-017) Eurocopter Tiger ARH display at the 2015 Australian International Airshow.jpg

An Australian Army Tiger in 2015

On 21 December 2001, Eurocopter was awarded the contract to meet the Australian Army's "AIR 87 requirement" for 22 Tiger helicopters of the ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) version. Modifications from the standard Tiger included new communications and avionics systems, as well as compatibility with Australian safety requirements.<ref>Krotz 2011, p. 151.</ref> Per the contract's terms, 18 of the 22 aircraft were assembled at Australian Aerospace's Brisbane facility, a subsidiary of Eurocopter.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 151–152.</ref> On 1 July 2007, because of delays in attaining operational capability, Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation stopped all payments in regards to the procurement.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> According to Australia's Department of Defence, by 2008 the main issues had been addressed and payments resumed accordingly.<ref>"Progress on Project AIR 87 – Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters" Template:Webarchive. Australian Department of Defence. Retrieved: 18 October 2009.</ref> In October 2010, it was revealed that the helicopters will not be fully operational for another two years.<ref name=SMH_Tiger>Template:Cite news</ref> In December 2011, the final Tiger ARH was delivered to the Australian Army.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In August 2019, Australia announced LAND 4503, the Tiger ARH replacement program.

In September 2003, Spain selected a variant of the Tiger HAP combat support helicopter – the Tiger HAD – for its army. The 24 helicopters of this type would be armed with the PARS 3 LR and Mistral missile systems, and feature uprated Enhanced MTR390 engines capable of lifting heavier payloads.<ref>Krotz 2011, pp. 152–153.</ref> Deliveries of the HAD variant began in 2007.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The September 2003 arrangements not only involved a procurement deal but the induction of Spain into the Tiger program itself, leading to the greater integration of parts of Spain's aeronautics industry with the new multinational Eurocopter organisation.<ref name= "krotz 152">Krotz 2011, p. 152.</ref> Shortly following Spain's order, France chose to not proceed with the pure anti-tank Tiger HAC variant, instead electing to procure the multirole-oriented Tiger HAD being procured by Spain.<ref name= "krotz 152"/>

In July 2006, the Saudi government signed a €6.9 billion contract for the sale of 142 helicopters, including 12 Tiger attack helicopters.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, in late 2007, the deal was cancelled for unknown reasons.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In May 2007, in response to an issued tender for 22 attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force, the Tiger was entered into a competition against multiple Russian and American helicopters.<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. "Bell, Boeing quit Indian attack helicopter contest" Template:Webarchive. Flight International, 10 October 2008.</ref> In late 2009, it was reported that the Tiger would not be able to participate in the Indian field trials as it was to undergo upgrades.<ref>"Tiger not participating in India's contest, Boeing to offer Apache" Template:Webarchive. Asian Defence, 23 October 2009.</ref> In 2011, several Tigers participated in firing trials of the PARS 3 LR missile as part of a sales effort targeted at the Indian armed forces.<ref>Donald, David. "Paris 2011: MBDA Has India in Its Sights for Fire-and-forget Missile ." Template:WebarchiveAIN Online, 23 June 2011.</ref>

In 2012, the Tiger competed for a ₩1.8 trillion contract to provide up to 20 attack helicopters for South Korea, along with the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the TAI/AgustaWestland T-129;<ref>"Republic of Korea Marine Corps – systems directory." Template:Webarchive Republic of Korea Marine Corps, 29 March 2009.</ref><ref>"AFP: S. Korea says three bidding for $6.9bn fighter deal." Google News, 18 June 2012.</ref> South Korea selected the AH-64 in April 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In January 2013, Eurocopter was reportedly in active discussions over potential Tiger procurements with Brazil, Malaysia, and Qatar.<ref name="defnewsjan2013"/> As of December 2015, the Tiger was reportedly contending for a Polish requirement for a new attack helicopter as a replacement for the Mil Mi-24 fleet.<ref>Perry, Dominic. "France orders seven more Tiger attack helicopters." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 22 December 2015.</ref>

DesignEdit

OverviewEdit

The Tiger is capable of undertaking a wide range of combat missions, including armed reconnaissance and surveillance, anti-tank and close air support, escort and protection of friendly assets; and can operate during day or night in all weather conditions, and has been designed to include operations in the aftermath of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare.<ref name="krotz 154" /><ref name="mcgowen 215" /> The Tiger can also be used in the maritime environment, able to operate from the decks of ships including frigates, and during extreme weather conditions.<ref>Marchand, Alexandre. "The Tiger: a marine animal." Template:Webarchive Rotor Online, November 2007.</ref> Amongst the Tiger's notable qualities, it possesses very high levels of agility, much of which is attributed to the design of its 13-meter four-bladed hingeless main rotor; the Tiger can perform full loops and negative g manoeuvres.<ref name= "moxon 105"/> Power is provided by a pair of FADEC-controlled MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines.<ref name="euro technol"/>

File:Eurocopter Tigre.jpg

Tiger in flight, 2012

The Tiger has a tandem-seat 'glass cockpit' and is operated by a two-man crew; the pilot is placed in the forward position, with the gunner seated behind.<ref name= "euro chara" /><ref>McGowen 2005, p. 214.</ref> Either of the crew members can manage the weapon systems or the primary flight controls, switching roles if necessitated; in addition to flying the aircraft, the Tiger's pilot would typically be in control of the self-defence systems and communications, as well as some secondary weapons functions.<ref name="moxon 103-5">Moxon 1995, pp. 103–5.</ref> While some of the weapons use dedicated control interfaces, such as the anti-tank Trigat missile, air-to-air weapons can be managed via controls on both sets of collective and cyclic sticks.<ref name="moxon 107"/>

Crew new to the Tiger have to undergo substantial retraining due to the differences from older platforms, particularly in higher workload management and the additional capabilities afforded by the type; one major change from preceding attack helicopters is a far greater degree of operational autonomy.<ref>Training on Tiger Template:Webarchive. Aviation Today, 1 June 2008.</ref><ref>Moxon, Julian. "Preparing for Tiger." Template:Webarchive Flight International, July 1998, p. 28.</ref> According to Andrew Warner, chief test pilot during the Tiger's development, it is "the easiest-handling aircraft I have ever flown".<ref name="moxon 106">Moxon 1995, p. 106.</ref>

The system cost (helicopter, armament, support) and unit cost vary between variants; Australia's Tiger ARH has a price per unit of A$ 68 million,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the latest Tiger HAD variant is estimated to cost US$ 44–48 million.<ref name= PEAs>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

SurvivabilityEdit

The protection systems employed on the Tiger includes stealth; aspects such as the visual, radar, infrared and acoustic signatures have been minimised to better evade threats that may be present upon the battlefield.<ref name="euro technol"/><ref name="Airbus Brochure">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> According to Andrew Warner, the Tiger's survivability "relies on stealth and agility".<ref name="moxon 103"/> The use of composite materials on the airframe has resulted in reductions in radar cross-section (RCS), infrared and acoustic signatures to improve battlefield survivability.<ref name= "euro technol">"Tiger – Technology." Template:Webarchive Eurocopter, retrieved 17 February 2013.</ref><ref name="moxon 103">Moxon 1995, p. 103.</ref><ref name= "Furtivité">Template:Citation.</ref> The fuselage is armoured and was developed to withstand small arms fire and Template:Convert cannon rounds.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Tiger Concept">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The helicopter has various radar/laser warning and missile approach detection systems, including EADS's AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System), as well as flares and chaff dispensers.<ref name="euro technol" /><ref>"MILDS AN/AAR-60 Missile Warning System." EADS North America, retrieved 17 February 2013.</ref>

The Tiger is the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe.<ref name="moxon 103"/> The fuselage of the Tiger is made from 80% carbon fibre reinforced polymer and kevlar, 11% aluminium, and 6% titanium.<ref name="moxon 105">Moxon 1995, p. 105.</ref> The entire tail section is made of composites, including the single section tail boom.<ref name="moxon 105"/> The rotors are composed of a fibre plastic composite material able to withstand combat damage and bird strikes. The structure of the Tiger also incorporates protection against lightning strikes and electromagnetic pulses via an embedded copper/bronze grid and copper bonding foil.<ref name= "JAWA03 p240">Jackson 2003, p. 240.</ref>

The design of the Tiger includes a high degree of crash worthiness; many of the onboard systems have redundancies and are segregated to minimise the effect of damage.<ref name= "euro chara">"Tiger – Characteristics." Template:Webarchive Eurocopter, retrieved 17 February 2013.</ref><ref name="moxon 103"/> Components of the propulsion system, such as the rotors and drive shaft, were deliberately designed for greater ballistic tolerance than traditional designs; the gearbox is rated for a 60-minute dry run capability if lubrication is lost.<ref name="moxon 105-6">Moxon 1995, pp. 105–6.</ref><ref name="Airbus Poster">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Fuel is contained in two main internal fuel tanks, and an additional two smaller tanks are housed inside the stub wings.<ref name="moxon 107"/> Fuel tanks have self-sealing capability to decrease the vulnerability.<ref name= "Airbus Brochure" /> In the inhospitable conditions of the Afghanistan theatre, the Tiger had a reported operational availability of 90%.<ref>"Aussie Tiger – Helicopter with an Amphibious Future." Template:Webarchive Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, 1 November 2010.</ref>

Avionics and armamentsEdit

File:Cabina delantera Tigre HAP E.T..JPG

Forward cockpit of a Tiger HAP

Amongst the key avionics features of the aircraft are the EUROGRID battlefield management and map display systems, integrated communications (HF/VHF/FM radio and satellite) and data transfer links, a high-authority digital automatic flight control system, and redundant MIL 1553 data buses.<ref name="euro technol"/> Two redundant mission computers control the weapons, sensors, and targeting functions. The Tiger's navigational suite includes GPS, dual redundant inertial referencing, Doppler radar, separated air data units, radio altimeter and distributed air speed sensors.<ref name= "moxon 107" /> A dedicated nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor is used by the pilot for night time flying.<ref name="mcgowen 215" /><ref name="moxon 107">Moxon 1995, p. 107.</ref>

Each crew member has a pair of multifunction liquid crystal data displays at their control station, typically used to display internal systems information and sensory data, and to interact with the aircraft's higher systems. An additional display system is available to both crew in the form of the helmet-mounted display (HMD). The HMD is used by the flying pilot to display basic flight data with digitally enhanced optics, such as night vision or infrared imagery from the sensors, superimposed against; the gunner can use the HMD to interact with and control onboard weapon systems and view targeting data.<ref name="euro mission"/>

File:74+53 German Army Eurocopter EC 665 Tiger Osiris Mast ILA Berlin 2016 08.jpg

Mast above the rotor head with the Osiris system

Perhaps the most significant single avionics system fitted upon the Tiger is the mast-mounted Osiris sight/sensor; this incorporates optical TV and thermal cameras, a laser range finder/tracker/designator, and multiple gyroscopes for stabilisation.<ref name="euro mission">"Tiger – Mission Systems." Template:Webarchive Eurocopter, retrieved 17 February 2013.</ref> Osiris performs as the main sensor for target observation and acquisition, providing firing and targeting data via the weapons computer; Osiris also enables entirely passive target acquisition to be undertaken and was developed to maximise the capabilities of the Trigat anti-tank missile developed in parallel to the Tiger itself.<ref name="moxon 103-5"/> An alternative optical system to Osiris is mounted on the aircraft's roof upon some variants.<ref name="mcgowen 215">McGowen 2005, p. 215.</ref>

The Tiger can be fitted with various armaments including rockets, cannons, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, controlled via a dedicated weapons control computer.<ref name="krotz 154" /> Munitions for anti-ground warfare include the nose-mounted 30 mm Nexter turret; an assortment of external gun pods, anti-tank missiles, and up to four launchers for 70 and 68 mm rockets can be mounted on the Tiger's stub wings. When deploying missiles such as the Mistral, the Tiger is capable of taking advantage of the munition's off-boresight capabilities.<ref name= "euro technol" /> A guided 70 mm rocket will be developed for the Tiger based on the Roketsan Cirit.<ref>MBDA, Roketsan to develop 70 mm guided weapon system Template:Webarchive Shephard media, 28 May 2014</ref>

Operational historyEdit

In December 2008, final qualification of the HAP and UHT variants of the Tiger was completed, marking the platform's readiness for operational duties overseas.<ref name="ami dubai"/> In May 2009, the Tiger participated in readiness trials off the coast of Toulon to clear the type for active shipboard deployments.<ref>Wall, Robert. "Tiger Goes to Sea." Template:Webarchive Aviation Week, 13 May 2009.</ref> By November 2009, nearly 50 Tigers had been delivered to customers and the worldwide fleet had accumulated more than 13,000 flight hours.<ref name="ami dubai">"The new generation Tiger combat helicopter performs flight demonstrations at the Dubai Air Show". AMI Info, 15 November 2009.</ref>

In July 2009, three French Tiger HAP helicopters of the 5th Helicopter Regiment arrived at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, marking the first active deployment of the Tiger into an active combat zone.<ref name=Eurocopter_defends>Hoyle, Craig. "ILA: Eurocopter defends performance of Tiger attack helicopter" Template:Webarchive. Flightglobal.com, 8 June 2010. Retrieved: 8 June 2010.</ref> The helicopters performed armed reconnaissance and fire support missions, acting in support of coalition ground troops fighting a Taliban insurgency.<ref name="arrives Af">Template:Cite news</ref> The Tigers had their operational certification in Afghanistan in early August 2009;<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> one French officer described the Tiger's role in the theatre as "find, attack, suppress, seize, raid, and support".<ref name="krotz 154"/> By July 2010, it was reported that the Tiger detachment had totalled 1,000 operational hours in Afghanistan.<ref name="rhTiger">"Eurocopter Tiger completes 1,000 hours in Afghanistan ops" Template:Webarchive. Helihub.com, 30 July 2010. Retrieved: 4 August 2010.</ref> On 4 February 2011, a French Tiger crashed during a night time operation about 30 miles east of Kabul and both crew members suffered light injuries.<ref name="NATO-led">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Crew OK">Template:Cite news Template:Dead link Template:Cbignore</ref>

File:French, US forces continue working side by side.jpg

A French Army EC-665 Tiger during a firing exercise from Forward Operating Base Morales-Frazier on January 23, 2011 in Kapissa, Afghanistan

In August 2009, the German magazine {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} reported that the ten operational Tigers in the German Army were only suitable for pilot training, while others had not been accepted due to defects.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In May 2010, Germany suspended deliveries over "serious defects particularly with wiring"; in response Eurocopter stated that "Corrective measures related to wiring problems have been developed, agreed by the customer and are being implemented", and that two corrected helicopters would soon be handed over to the German military.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

During the 2011 military intervention in Libya, France deployed the Template:Ship amphibious assault helicopter carrier, carrying a number of Tiger attack helicopters aboard, to the Libyan coast to conduct military operations upon military targets within the country.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 4 June 2011, French Tigers, alongside British Army Apache helicopters, began conducting combat operations in Libya.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In December 2012, a four-ship flight of German Tiger UHTs was deployed to Afghanistan.<ref>Deutsches Heer: Aufklärung und Unterstützung aus der Luft: Die Tiger sind am Hindukusch, Leipzig. Template:Webarchive Luftwaffe 14 December 2012.</ref> Operating from Mazar-i-Sharif, they performed reconnaissance, ground support, and convoy protection missions. All had previously undergone upgrades under the ASGARD programme; the modifications include the addition of new defensive systems, sand filters for the MTR390 engines, and enhancements to the communications suite.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. "PICTURES: German army Tigers arrive in Afghanistan." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 3 January 2013.</ref> Between 30 January 2013 and 30 June 2014, the German Tigers flew 1,860 hours and 260 sorties supporting NATO ground troops, Afghan security forces, and humanitarian relief efforts after floods. The model fired its first shots during combat in German service on 4 May 2013, providing armed overwatch to special forces troops with unguided rockets and machine gun fire.<ref name="Seliger">Seliger, Marco. Unkoordinierter Rückzug mit Schuss Template:Webarchive – Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 27 May 2013</ref> The German Army received its last ASGARD-upgraded Tigers in March 2014.<ref>Perry, Dominic. "German army receives final ASGARD-standard Tiger helicopter." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 6 March 2013.</ref>

In March 2013, Spain also deployed three Tiger HADs to the region to provide support to the Spanish ground forces.<ref>"Spanish Tigers Deployed to Afghanistan." Template:Webarchive Aviation Week, 28 March 2013.</ref>

In January 2013, as part of France's intervention in the Northern Mali conflict, a small number of Tigers were deployed for combat operations to that theatre.<ref name="defnewsjan2013"/> Early production HADs (Block 1) followed in November 2014 after having been declared combat capable.<ref>Lert, Frédéric. "Paris Air Show 2015: France keeps investing in Tiger attack helicopters, launches new missile programme." Template:Webarchive IHS Jane's Defence Weekly , 15 June 2015.</ref> In March 2017, German Tigers were rotated into the same country in support of MINUSMA, relieving Apaches of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On 26 July, one of the aircraft in question crashed in the desert 700 kilometres north of Gao, killing both pilots.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> A subsequent investigation discovered that mistakes by improperly trained civilian maintenance contractors had caused a fatal malfunction.<ref>Gebauer, Matthias. Bundeswehr sieht Schuld für "Tiger"-Absturz bei Airbus Template:Webarchive Der Spiegel, 12 December 2018.</ref>

VariantsEdit

GermanyEdit

Tiger KHT/UHTEdit

File:Eurocopter EC-665 Tiger UHT (crooped).jpg

In 2013 a German Army Tiger UHT fired its weapons for the first time in a CAS mission.<ref name="Seliger"/>

The KHT (from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, German for "Attack Helicopter Tiger") is a medium-weight multi-role fire support helicopter built for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Until October 2013 its designation was UHT (from {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, German for "Support Helicopter Tiger"). Under an agreement between the German government and Eurocopter made in March 2013, a total of 51 Tiger UHs will enter service.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The KHT can carry PARS 3 LR<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> "fire and forget" and/or HOT3 anti-tank missiles as well as Template:Convert Hydra 70 air-to-ground fire support rockets from Belgium manufacturer Forges de Zeebrugge (FZ). Four AIM-92 Stinger missiles (two on each side) are mounted for air-to-air combat. Unlike the HAP/HCP version it has no integrated gun turret, but a Template:Convert gunpod can be fitted if needed. The weapon configuration was designed to be multirole and easily convertible to cover the whole spectrum of possible mission scenarios and to be effective against a broad range of targets.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Another difference is the use of a mast-mounted sight, which has second-generation infrared and CCD TV cameras (range 18 km).Template:Citation needed

FranceEdit

Tiger HAPEdit

File:Gerfaut NTW 7 8 93.jpg

A French Tiger HAP in 1993. Many units of this version were upgraded to the HAD version.

The Tiger HAP/HCP (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection, French for "Support and Escort Helicopter" / Hélicoptère de Combat Polyvalent<ref>Eurocopter Studies HCP, Armada International Website, accessed 15 October 2009 Template:Webarchive</ref> French for "Multipurpose Combat Helicopter"<ref>EADS press release, 2002 example for official use and meaning of the HCP acronym and its translation – retrieved 16 October 2009 Template:Webarchive</ref>) is a medium-weight air-to-air combat and fire support helicopter built for the French Army. It is fitted with a chin-mounted GIAT 30 mm gun turret and can carry 68 mm SNEB unguided rockets or 20 mm machine cannons for the fire support role as well as Mistral air-to-air missiles. France's 40 HAP were delivered by 2012 at a cost of €27m/unit (~US$36m) in 2012 prices.<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In December 2015, France decided to upgrade its entire existing Tiger fleet to the HAD standard by 2025.<ref name="La Tribune"/>

SpainEdit

Tiger HADEdit

File:Eurocopter EC 655 Tigre (cropped).jpg

A Spanish Army Tiger HAD at the International airshow, in Madrid, Spain

The Tiger HAD (Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> in French or Helicóptero de Apoyo y Destrucción in Spanish for "Support and Destruction Helicopter") version is essentially identical to the HAP version but better suited for operations in hot environments, with 14% more engine power available due to the upgraded Enhanced MTR390 engines (1,092 kW / 1,464 shp during normal operation; 1,322 kW / 1,774 shp in contingency power mode), maximum take-off weight is increased to 6,600 kg, communication suite is expanded with Up Link and Down Link satellite antenna<ref>Airbus Tiger Brochure Presentation</ref> and better ballistic protection as a result of the specific requests made by the Spanish Army. It is equipped with the Hellfire II<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the Spike ER anti-armour missiles.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is suited for attack, escort, ground fire support, armed reconnaissance and air-to-air combat roles.

It was selected by the Spanish Army, and the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) decided to upgrade most of their HAP helicopters to the HAD variant. In December 2004, Spain ordered 24 of the HAD variant and France ordered 40 HADs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> France's 40 HAD will cost €35.6m/unit (~US$48m) in 2012 prices.<ref name= Francebudget2012 />

UpgradesEdit

In January 2016, it was announced that France was working with Australia, Germany, and Spain to define a proposed further upgrade to its Tiger fleet, referred to as Mk III upgrade. A key aspect of this upgrade, being scheduled to take place around 2023, is to be the adoption of a common anti-tank missile, as well as further improvements to the communication system.<ref name= "tiger mk3">Perry, Dominic. "Common missile the key to unlocking Tiger Mk3 upgrade." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 18 January 2016.</ref>

In March 2022, Airbus announced that it had reached agreement with France and Spain to proceed with the Mk III programme, 42 French helicopters will be upgraded with deliveries beginning 2029 and 18 Spanish beginning 2030, the prototype Mk III is expected to first fly in 2025.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Each country's Mk III will be slightly different reflecting national requirements, the upgrades include improvements to the mast-mounted electro-optical system; the helmet-mounted sight system; the enhanced vision system; radios; datalinks for manned-unmanned teaming; new air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, guns, and rockets; improved countermeasures; a new navigation system synchronised to the Galileo satellite navigation system; as well as an updated avionics suite that includes a new tactical data management system and battlefield management system.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The Mk III will replace the Hellfire II missile with the MAST-F (Missile Air-Sol Tactique Futur).<ref>https://www.occar.int/our-work/programmes/mastf</ref>

AustraliaEdit

Tiger ARHEdit

File:Australian Army ARH Tiger front view.jpg

Australian Army ARH Tiger at Avalon Airport, Australia

The Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) was the version ordered by the Australian Army to replace its OH-58 Kiowas and UH-1 Iroquois-based 'Bushranger' gunships. The Tiger ARH is a modified and upgraded version of the Tiger HAP with upgraded MTR390 engines as well as a laser designator incorporated in the Strix sight for the firing of Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles. Instead of SNEB unguided rockets, the ARH used 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets from Belgian developer, FZ. Twenty-two of the variant were ordered in December 2001. Most of the helicopters were operated by the 1st Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.<ref name=DMO_AIR_87/> The helicopter was shipped to Australia in part form and locally assembled at Brisbane Airport by Australia Aerospace.

The first two ARH helicopters were delivered to Australia on 15 December 2004. ARH deliveries were to be completed by June 2010 with Full operating capability planned for December 2011.<ref name=DMO_AIR_87>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2012 after three incidents with cockpit fumes that endangered aircrew, pilots voted to not fly until all safety concerns were addressed.<ref>Army pilots stage mutiny over chopper fears 5 December 2015 Template:Webarchive The Australian Retrieved 16 November 2016</ref>

In August 2014, the Australian Defence Force and BAE Systems Australia successfully trialled the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser guidance kit for use with the ARH's 70mm FZ unguided rockets.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The 2016 Australian Defence White Paper stated that the Tiger helicopters would be replaced with other armed reconnaissance aircraft in the mid 2020s.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Issues cited include lack of commonality with the other Tiger variants, high maintenance cost of the engines and the shipping time of sending parts to Europe for repair and reconditioning.Template:Citation needed

The Australian Army's Tiger ARHs reached their final operating capability on 18 April 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In April 2019, the Australian Army renewed Airbus Helicopters' maintenance contract for a further 5 years running through to 2025.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

In July 2019, Australia's Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) issued a request for information to replace their Tiger helicopters.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This request surprised many experts, as the issues mentioned in the 2016 White Paper appeared to have been mostly resolved.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The aim is to procure a "proven and mature, manned, off-the-shelf armed helicopter" that can also operate from Australia's growing fleet of helicopter-capable landing ships. The RFI's deadlines are very strict: Initial Operational Capability should be attained by 2026 and all 29 aircraft and training system should be delivered by 2029 at the latest.Template:Citation needed

The Australian Government announced in January 2021 that it would purchase 29 AH-64E Apache Guardians to replace the Tigers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In June 2024 the Ukrainian Government expressed interest in acquiring Australia's fleet of Tigers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>